Employer Strategies for Managing the $100,000 H-1B Fee: When Does Sponsorship Make Sense?
Explore Graebel’s employer guide to managing the new $100K H-1B fee. Learn strategies to assess ROI, plan budgets, and mitigate compliance and retention risks.
A new presidential proclamation has introduced a one-time $100,000 surcharge on H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025, prompting employers to reconsider how and when sponsorship makes sense. This guide helps HR and talent leaders navigate the change with clarity, offering a practical framework for weighing the fee against business priorities like role importance, talent availability, revenue impact, and compliance risk.
It also shares ways to adapt your organization’s approach—from setting clear investment criteria and updating workforce budgets, to tracking regulatory updates and exploring alternative talent solutions. Plus, it highlights strategies to protect your investment through stronger onboarding and retention practices, ensuring that the value of every sponsorship extends well beyond visa approval.